Pleasing lacewings

Definition

A family of lacewings (Dilaridae) distinguished from typical green lacewings (Chrysopidae) by their more robust, often hairy bodies, relatively short antennae, and frequently patterned or spotted wings. Adults are frequently attracted to light and are primarily nocturnal; larvae are presumed to be predatory but are poorly known biologically. The common name reflects their attractive wing patterns and the historical appreciation of neuropteran aesthetics among collectors.

Etymology

From English "pleasing" (attractive, agreeable) + "lacewings," referring to the delicate, reticulate wing venation characteristic of Neuroptera; family name Dilaridae derived from genus Dilar, the type genus.

Example

In the southwestern United States, pleasing lacewings in the genus Nallachius are occasionally collected at ultraviolet light traps, where their distinctly spotted forewings distinguish them from the more commonly encountered green lacewings.

Synonyms

• Dilaridae

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Lacewings
• Green lacewings
• antlion
• snakefly
• Raphidioptera
• Megaloptera
• reticulate venation
• net-winged insects

Usage Notes

The family Dilaridae is small (approximately 100 described species worldwide) and taxonomically stable, though larval biology remains poorly documented compared to other neuropteran families. The term "pleasing lacewings" is primarily used in North American entomological literature; European sources more commonly refer to the group simply as Dilaridae. Distinguished from brown lacewings (Hemerobiidae) by wing venation details and body pilosity, and from green lacewings by coloration and antennal proportions. Not to be confused with "pleasing fungus beetles" (family Erotylidae), an unrelated coleopteran group with a similar common name construction.